Pulmonary embolism occurs if one or several blood clots end up stuck in the arteries in the lungs. A blood clot in one or several arteries will not allow blood to flow to the lungs. In most cases, the clots originate in the legs and travel up to the heart and into the lungs.
It is important to note that pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening, but with prompt administration of medications, it can reduce this risk.
How do I end up with a blood clot?
In most instances, pulmonary embolism is caused by a clot that originated from the legs that reaches the lungs. If a clot moves into a blood vessel close to the skin, it does not trigger any issues. On the other hand, if the clot moves into the lungs, it results to pulmonary embolism.
What are the indications?
The indications tend to vary significantly due to the extent of the blockage, volume of blood that is obstructed and overall health of the individual.
The usual indications of pulmonary embolism include the following:
- Shortness of breath is a common indication that occurs abruptly and aggravated with activity.
- Chest pain that can be worse during deep breathing, bending, coughing or eating.
- Cough that is blood-streaked or has sputum
The other indications that can manifest include the following:
- Profuse sweating
- Fever
- Dizziness
- Rapid or erratic heart rate
- Discoloration of the skin
- Swelling and/or leg pain usually in the calf area
When to consult a doctor?
Since pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening, it is vital to seek medical care if the individual shows the following:
- Coughing with blood-streaked sputum
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
Disclaimer / More Information
The information posted on this page on pulmonary embolism is for learning and educational purposes only. To learn to recognize and manage sudden medical emergencies including pulmonary embolism, register for first aid training at one of our training centers located throughout Canada. The training centers are in Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Kelowna, Saskatoon, Surrey, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa and Halifax.